How to Scout for Morels Before They’re Up: Finding Morel Mushrooms in Minnesota

Morchella americana, the yellow morel most people hunt for in Minnesota

Because the hunt starts long before the mushrooms do.

Early spring in Minnesota still feels like winter in the shade—but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to get your boots muddy. Morel season doesn’t really start when you find your first mushroom. It starts now, when the map in your head starts coming back to life.

Finding morels is about preparation, not luck. If you’re waiting until someone posts their first haul on Facebook, you’re already behind. If you’ve ever wondered how to find morel mushrooms in Minnesota before they’re up, it starts with scouting.

Elm Tree to Scout for Morels. A tree holds the key!

1. How to Find Morel Mushrooms in Minnesota: Start by Scouting the Right Trees

It’s way too early for morels to be up just yet, but that doesn’t mean I’m not already out looking. This time of year, I’m scouting trees. If you are roughly in the southern half of Minnesota, not just any trees. I’m looking for dead or dying elms. And if you’ve never tried to pick out an elm before it has leaves, you’ll learn fast that it’s not quite as simple as it sounds. If you are in the northern areas of the state you will likely be finding a different species, often Morchella septentrionalis, usually referred to as black morels-- which associate with younger aspen trees. Since most folks here seem to hunt the yellows, typically Morchella americana, let’s concentrate on "yellows" as opposed to "blacks." When it comes to how to find morel mushrooms in Minnesota, knowing which species grow in different parts of the state is key.

I’ve gotten pretty good at spotting them by shape alone. Elms have that tall, clean trunk that shoots straight up, with a sort of broomstick-shaped crown at the top—like an upside-down vase. But it’s not foolproof. I've mistaken a few black walnuts and even young basswoods when I was rushing. Elm bark is light gray and sort of flaky, where black walnut has darker, deeper ridges. You really start to appreciate those subtle differences after you’ve tromped through enough wet woods trying to figure out what you’re looking at before the leaves give it away.

Anyway, when I find a good candidate—an elm that looks like it's recently died or is just starting to show stress—I drop a pin in my map app. You don’t want trees that have been dead too long. Once the bark is completely gone and you can see bare wood, your window’s probably closed. But if the bark’s just starting to slip off in big patches, especially down low, that’s what I’m after. I’ve come back to those spots later in the spring and found morels hiding in plain sight, like they were just waiting for me to remember where I left them.

Early Morel Mushroom in Spring Sun

2. Pay Attention to the Sun

When it comes to morels, timing is everything. I like to wait until I see lilacs blooming or dandelions going to seed—those are my cues that the soil’s warm enough for morels to start popping. Until then, I resist the temptation to head out—anything I find too early is usually disappointingly small, if I spot anything at all. I also don't want to risk trampling young primordia, the earliest stages of fruiting body development.

Only once those signs are there, is it time to revisit those spots you marked earlier. Think about how the sun moves: south-facing slopes warm up faster, which makes them prime spots. Areas with good sun exposure and leaf litter break down quicker, resulting in warmer soils earlier. By focusing on these sunnier spots, you’re more likely to find those early-season morels when they’re at their best. Patience pays off—by the time you’re out there, many folks will have given up, leaving you with the best finds.

3. Soil Temp > Air Temp

Morels generally start fruiting when the soil temperature hits around 52 to 53 degrees. It’s not enough to just watch the air temp, but here’s a handy rule of thumb: I look for about a week where nighttime lows don’t dip below 50 and daytime highs hover at 70 or above. Once that happens, it’s almost like clockwork: lilacs bloom, dandelions go to seed, and morels are ready.

But if you want to be extra sure, bring a soil thermometer. Stick it about three inches down and take readings in a few spots. You’re looking for consistency, not just a freak warm day. If the soil’s holding steady in that sweet spot, you can be confident it's time to head out. This is one of the most reliable tricks when you’re learning how to find morel mushrooms in Minnesota, especially during unpredictable spring weather.

4. Old Burn Sites and Disturbances

While burn morels are famous out west, we don’t really get them in Minnesota. There’s only one documented case of true burn morels here—from a northeastern fire back in the early 1900s. But that doesn’t mean disturbed ground is useless.

Clear-cut areas, especially in northern Minnesota, can be worth exploring. Black morels (Morchella septentrionalis) and sometimes even yellows will pop up in recently logged areas—especially where young aspens are coming back. I’d say 5% of those areas produce heavy flushes for a year or two. It’s not an easy walk—thick brush and downed limbs—but if you find a good one, it’s usually a jackpot worth the scratches.

Forager Discovering Morel Patch

5. Leaf Litter and Moisture

Leaf litter is more than just something to kick through. It insulates the ground and holds in moisture, helping the soil warm up slowly and stay damp—two things morels love. When that layer starts breaking down in early spring, it’s a good sign the forest floor is waking up.

But morels don’t want it too dry or too soggy. If it’s bone dry under the leaves, you’re probably early or overdue for a rain. If it’s swampy, the flush might stall out or be taken over by other fungi. You’re looking for that happy middle: damp, soft ground with leaf litter just starting to decompose. That’s your sweet spot.

Pheasant Back Growing on Elm Tree

6. Look for the Warm-Up Crew

Early spring plants can be nature's signal that morels are on their way. When you start seeing trout lilies, bloodroot, spring beauty, or trillium, it's a good sign that conditions are right.

And keep an eye out for pheasant backs (dryad's saddle), too. They often show up just before morels—and they favor dead elm just like morels do. So if you spot one, not only is it a sign of the right temps and moisture, but it’s also confirmation you’re in the right kind of tree habitat. Pheasant back can be a delicious spring mushrooms, but ONLY if they are young and tender, usually no bigger than you hand. If you are eating anything bigger, they are tough and progressively bitter with age. Be a pro and walk past those in search of young chunky looking specimens.

7. Mark Your Calendar—Then Ignore It

Yes, there’s a “typical” morel window in Minnesota, from late April to mid-May, but it’s not the calendar that matters—it’s the conditions.

The biggest factor? Rainfall. Morels love consistent moisture. If we get a rain every 2 to 4 days in April and May, it’s shaping up to be a good season. But if we go two weeks without rain, get one shower, then dry up again, that’s usually a bust. Keep track of rainfall and soil temps—you’ll be way ahead of the game compared to folks who are just watching the calendar.

Successful Morel Hunt in Minnesota!

Final Thoughts on Finding Morel Mushrooms in Minnesota

Scouting for morels isn’t just about the thrill of the find—it’s about immersing yourself in the rhythm of the forest. For me, it’s also a chance to shake off that winter sluggishness and get some real exercise. I'm not much for the health club, so those early spring walks through the woods do wonders for getting me back in shape before the rest of mushroom season kicks in. The anticipation, patience, and careful observation all make the eventual discovery that much sweeter.

So, lace up your boots, grab your gear, and get out there—the forest is waking up, and the morels won’t find themselves.

And if you're as excited about morel season as I am, come join us at the Black Morel Hootenanny in Grand Rapids this May. It's shaping up to be Minnesota's biggest morel celebration, and it’s the perfect place to connect with other foragers, trade stories, and maybe even learn a few new tricks. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just learning how to find morel mushrooms in Minnesota, you'll feel right at home.